For the discerning traveler, Botswana offers a safari experience that transcends the ordinary. It is a nation built on a visionary “low-impact, high-value” tourism model, a philosophy perfectly embodied by its exclusive private concessions. These vast, unfenced tracts of wilderness are leased from local communities or the government for photographic safaris, creating a sanctuary for both wildlife and a limited number of guests. The result is an unparalleled sense of solitude and a deep, personal connection to one of Africa’s last great wild places.
In a private concession, the rhythm of the day is dictated by nature, not by park rules. Here, you can venture into pristine landscapes, far from the crowds of national parks, and enjoy a safari that is as luxurious as it is authentic. It is an experience that blends exceptional comfort with the raw, untamed spirit of the African bush.
What Makes a Private Concession Different?
While Botswana’s national parks are stunning, the private concessions that border them offer a superior level of exclusivity and freedom. These areas are reserved for the guests of the few small, intimate camps located within their boundaries, ensuring that your wildlife sightings are just that, yours. It is not uncommon to spend an entire game drive without seeing another vehicle, allowing for quiet, uninterrupted observations of animal behavior.
This exclusivity is matched by unparalleled operational flexibility. Guides in private concessions are permitted to drive off-road, a significant advantage that allows them to follow a leopard stalking through the grass or position the vehicle for the perfect photograph. As dusk falls and the parks close their gates, your adventure is just beginning. Night drives reveal a hidden world of nocturnal creatures, from the elusive genet and civet to predators on the hunt under a canopy of stars. Furthermore, guided walking safaris are a staple, offering a chance to connect with the environment on a more intimate level.
Crucially, these concessions are founded on a sustainable partnership between safari operators and local communities. Tourism revenue directly funds vital conservation work, anti-poaching patrols, and community development projects, meaning your safari contributes directly to the preservation of the ecosystem and the well-being of its people.
The SAFARI FRANK Difference: Curated Concession Experiences
At SAFARI FRANK, we specialize in crafting bespoke journeys into the heart of these remarkable areas. We understand that a truly exceptional safari is about more than just seeing animals, it is about the quality of the experience. We select specific concessions and lodges that align with our standards of luxury, guiding, and ethical tourism.
Frank Steenhuisen, Co-founder and lead safari expert at SAFARI FRANK, explains, “Our focus is on placing guests in the heart of these immense, unfenced wilderness areas. In a private concession, you are not just a spectator, you are part of a living ecosystem. The freedom to follow a leopard on the hunt off-road or track lions by moonlight is an experience that transforms a great safari into an unforgettable one.” SAFARI FRANK manages all the complex logistics, from light aircraft flights to private guides, ensuring a seamless and deeply personal adventure.
Exploring Botswana’s Premier Private Concessions
Each of Botswana’s private concessions offers a unique landscape and wildlife dynamic. Choosing the right one depends on the experience you seek, from water-based activities in the Delta to predator action on the floodplains.
- The Okavango Delta: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sprawling wetland paradise of crystal-clear channels, verdant islands, and seasonal floodplains. Much of the area outside the central Moremi Game Reserve is divided into private concessions accessible only by air. This is the setting for Duba Plains Camp, located in a 77,000-acre private reserve renowned for its dramatic interactions between large herds of buffalo and resident lion prides. The open plains also offer excellent chances to spot cheetah. Nearby, Gomoti Plains Camp provides access to the Gomoti River system, a magnet for wildlife of all kinds. For a unique perspective, Macatoo Camp offers exhilarating horseback safaris through the floodplains, allowing you to ride alongside giraffe and zebra.
- The Khwai Community Concession: Situated on the northeastern edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai is a model for community-based conservation. Managed by the local community, it is celebrated for its outstanding predator sightings, particularly for leopard and the endangered African wild dog. The varied landscape of riverine forests and open floodplains supports a rich diversity of life. Here, Machaba Camp is perfectly positioned along the Khwai River, offering an authentic tented camp experience with fantastic views and consistent game viewing.
- The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve: This remote and wild concession lies north of the Okavango, bordering Chobe National Park. It is famous for its massive herds of elephants that congregate along the Linyanti River during the dry season (June to October). The reserve’s mix of riverine woodland, marshes, and open plains also makes it a hotspot for lions, wild dogs, and incredible birding. Lodges in the greater Chobe ecosystem, like Ngoma Safari Lodge, offer commanding views over these wildlife-rich riverfronts, providing a gateway to this immense and untamed wilderness.
The Ultimate Freedom on Safari
The true luxury of a private concession lies in the freedom it affords. Activities are tailored to your interests and are not restricted by the rigid schedules found in public parks. Your days are flexible, allowing you to spend hours at a special sighting or return to camp when you please.
This freedom extends to the types of activities available. Beyond standard game drives, you can immerse yourself in the wilderness in more profound ways.
- Night Drives: Venture out after dark with spotlights to find nocturnal species rarely seen during the day.
- Off-Road Driving: Leave the tracks to get closer to wildlife and pursue thrilling sightings across the open plains.
- Guided Bush Walks: Learn to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and appreciate the smaller wonders of the ecosystem on foot with an expert guide.
- Mokoro Safaris: Glide silently through the Delta’s waterways in a traditional dugout canoe, experiencing the landscape from a water-level perspective.
A safari in a private concession is an investment in an experience that is both exclusive and deeply impactful. It offers the chance to see incredible wildlife in a pristine environment, away from the crowds, while actively supporting the future of African conservation. For those who seek the pinnacle of privacy, luxury, and authentic adventure, there is simply no better way to experience Botswana. Let SAFARI FRANK guide you to your perfect wilderness escape.
About Frank Steenhuisen
Frank is the lead safari expert at specialists in exclusive safari adventures SAFARI FRANK, helping travelers experience Africa’s wildlife safely and sustainably. Learn more at SAFARI FRANK.
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